Whereas Albania continues to experience democratic backsliding marked by state capture, widespread corruption, criminal influence, concentration of power, weakening of the rule of law, lack of separation of powers and declining public trust;

Whereas Transparency International's 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, the V-Dem Democracy Report, the ODIHR Final Report on the 2025 parliamentary elections and the EPP Study Visit Mission to Albania all identify serious concerns regarding corruption, electoral integrity, state capture, weakened democratic institutions, misuse of state resources, the blurring of the separation line between state and party, and the need for comprehensive democratic and electoral reforms;

Whereas despite political oppression, judicial pressure, and arrests of opposition leaders, the democratic opposition has remained committed to defending pluralism, democracy and Albania's European future;

Whereas tens of thousands of Albanian citizens are peacefully protesting in defence of democracy, transparency, property rights, environmental protection and the rule of law;

Whereas the European Parliament Resolution of 17 June 2026 called for the repeal of the amendments to the Law on Protected Areas and an immediate moratorium on development in protected areas until compliance with EU environmental standards is ensured;

Whereas peaceful protesters have been met with insults, intimidation, smear campaigns and legal action;

The EPP Political Assembly:

Expresses deep concern over the continued democratic backsliding in Albania, the weakening of democratic institutions, the rule of law, parliamentary oversight, transparency, accountability and the separation of powers.

Reaffirms that democracy requires pluralism, free and fair elections, a clear separation between state and party, effective parliamentary oversight, an independent judiciary, free media and meaningful opposition participation.

Recognises the democratic opposition's continued commitment to defending constitutional order, democratic freedoms and Albania's European future despite unprecedented political pressure and persecution.

Expresses solidarity with the thousands of citizens peacefully protesting, and reaffirms that the right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental democratic freedom.

Recognises the legitimacy of the concerns and demands raised by the opposition and peaceful protesters, including political accountability, a genuine and comprehensive electoral reform, a clear separation between state and party, effective investigation toward high level corruption, prosecution and punishment of electoral crimes, the repeal of legislation and government practices contrary to the public interest, and the protection of environmental, protected areas, cultural and property rights.

Welcomes the conclusions of the EPP Study Visit Mission recommending an inclusive political dialogue, with the support of European partners where appropriate, on mechanisms capable of ensuring a clear separation between state institutions and political parties during electoral periods. Such discussions may draw on democratic practices, including caretaker or technical government arrangements, to restore public confidence, safeguard institutional neutrality and ensure equal conditions for all political contestants.

Condemns all attempts to intimidate, prosecute or silence peaceful protesters, journalists, environmental activists, experts and civil society representatives exercising their democratic rights and freedoms.

Calls on all parties to engage in genuine dialogue, implement the recommendations of ODIHR, the European Parliament and the EPP Study Visit Mission, and undertake the reforms necessary to restore public trust and ensure credible future elections.

Calls on the European Commission, PACE, and EU institutions to continue closely monitoring developments in Albania and ensure that progress in the EU accession process remains firmly linked to democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights, environmental protection and public participation.

Reaffirms the EPP's unwavering support for the citizens of Albania in their efforts to defend democracy, pluralism, accountability, the rule of law and the country's European future.